Brasília, the capital of Brazil, sits in the Central Highlands and is a planned city completed in 1960. Designed in the shape of a bird or airplane, it is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its unique and modernist architecture. The city itself is divided into sectors, with the Eixo Monumental (Monumental Axis) splitting the north and south sectors. The city’s main shopping and dining areas are located in the intersection of the city’s arched “wings”. One may get turned around when visiting Brasília as the addresses are usually shortened to acronyms; just remember the last letter of the acronym indicates on which side of the Monumental Axis you are!

Although it is not known particularly for its nightlife or regional cuisine, Brasília still boasts a number of activities and monuments worth attending. In late October/early November you can attend the Festival de Cinema Brasileiro — one of the most important festivals of Brazilian cinema. You can also find an agenda of all the shows and exhibitions in Brasília from the State Secretary of Culture of the Distrito Federal. The Television Tower located in the middle of the Monumental axis offers a sweeping panorama of the city, and the Juscelina Kubitschek Memorial, on the western side of the axis and highest location of the city, is an underground museum with a spooky classic science-fiction feel. Along the ‘wings’ of the city are the Dom Bosco Church and Paranoa Lake, where you can see not only the modernist interior design of Brasília architecture, but also gorgeous views of the city and its famous sunsets.